Pikes Peak Habitat Monthly e-News
February 2024
Join Us for Triple Ground Blessing and 3rd Interfaith Build for Unity Home Dedication!
Please join us on Saturday, Feb. 24, at The Ridge at Sand Creek, 5303 Beauport Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80915, as we celebrate with four families!
First, we'll hold a ground blessing from 9:30-10:30 a.m. for
- Bernadette's family, whose home is the 2024 Apostles Build
- Damian and Trinady's family, whose home is the 2024 Veterans Build
- Miranda's family, whose home is a Fund for Humanity Build
Then we'll rejoice with Jessica's family as we dedicate their home, constructed as the 3rd Interfaith Build for Unity (IBU). This exciting event features representatives from diverse faith traditions and congregations, who came together to build this home in partnership with an El Paso County workforce family. We'll also introduce Isxel and her family, whose home will be our 4th IBU.
After the ceremony, you are welcome to meet Jessica and tour the one-story, two-bedroom home.
George Hammond Award Nomination Window Is Open!
We are now accepting nominations for the George Hammond Award, which honors a volunteer who truly is noteworthy for their constant contributions to the mission of Pikes Peak Habitat -- a constant supporter, a constant advocate and, most importantly, a constant leader.
A Pikes Peak Habitat volunteer and staff member, who are both currently volunteering or employed in good standing, may jointly nominate a fellow volunteer who is also current and in good standing with the affiliate for consideration for the George Hammond Award.
We are accepting nominations (PDF) through March 22.
3rd Interfaith Dialogue Showcases Neighborliness
On Sunday, Feb. 4, Pikes Peak Habitat held our 3rd Interfaith Dialogue, "Who Is Your Neighbor?," at Berger Hall, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, as part of our 2024 celebration of the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week. Despite snowy conditions, more than 90 of you joined us for a panel discussion, remarks from Colorado Springs Chief Housing Officer Steve Posey, and a facilitated interfaith discussion.
Panelists included future homeowners Gilas and Janice, as well as Dick Conn and Kamel Elwazeir. They shared insights about neighborliness in their various faith traditions, their experiences with housing in El Paso County, and suggestions for how faith communities can become involved in addressing the crisis in affordable homeownership and housing opportunities locally.
After their discussion, Posey talked about the need for more opportunities for affordable homeownership in the city of Colorado Springs, which is part of Pikes Peak Habitat's geographical service area of El Paso County. He also shared an aspirational statement from the Mayor's Office: "Colorado Springs is striving to become an inspiring example of a city where everyone has the ability to choose housing that is right for them."
Finally, participants engaged in facilitated discussions at their tables, addressing questions of neighborliness in their own faith traditions and grappling with ideas in how they and their congregations can become involved.
Pikes Peak Habitat Reps Meet with Legislators at Habitat on the Hill
From left, Pikes Peak Habitat board member Tim Trowbridge; Karla Probert, affiliate advocacy ambassador; Jennifer, a homeowner from our home repair program; and Sarah Buchen (second from right, in scarf), volunteer manager, meet with staff in Congressman Doug Lamborn's office.
Representatives from Pikes Peak Habitat traveled to Washington, D.C., from Feb. 6-8 to participate in Habitat on the Hill, Habitat for Humanity's annual advocacy conference.
Karla Probert, executive assistant to the CEO and affiliate advocacy ambassador, presented a poster about Pikes Peak Habitat's 2023 Colorado Springs Mayoral Candidate Forum on Affordable Homeownership. She and the rest of the team -- which included board member Tim Trowbridge; Sarah Buchen, volunteer manager; and Jennifer, a homeowner from our home repair program, who is married to an Army veteran -- also met with elected officials, including staff in Congressman Doug Lamborn's office. They highlighted Pikes Peak Habitat's work to promote affordable homeownership for El Paso County workforce families, including veterans, and they also advocated for legislation that supports affordable homeownership.
Join Our Team!
Do you want a rewarding career working in partnership with local workforce families? Do you yearn to know that what you do every day makes a tangible difference in El Paso County? Do you value environmentally responsible practices, from low-water landscaping to innovative recycling programs through our ReStores? Do you want to work with a team of kind, dedicated, passionate people who share those values?
If the answer is YES, then apply today! We're currently looking for people for these positions:
Read with Us!
This month, we're reading Out of Many Faiths: Religious Diversity and the American Promise by Eboo Patel, founder of Interfaith America, which is one of our partner organizations in the Team Up initiative and an ongoing partner in Pikes Peak Habitat's interfaith work.
Check out our blog for questions, thoughts, and an opportunity to engage with us in the comments!<
By the way, don't miss this video Interfaith America created spotlighting our Faith in Action Program Manager Chloe Henry as part of their United We Build mini-documentary series!